Excavator Bucket Magnetometer Array for Unexploded Ordnance Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for excavating soil are unsafe and inefficient when dealing with problematic objects like unexploded ordnance, as they require time-consuming and dangerous manual preliminary investigations and limited detection depth.
Innovation Solution
An excavator equipped with a measuring device comprising magnetometers aligned along a straight line, which measures the local magnetic field vector and determines vector differences to detect and locate problematic objects, allowing for simultaneous investigation and excavation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual preliminary investigation is used to detect unexploded ordnance, then safety is improved, but time consumption increases and danger to personnel remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the detection function (magnetometers) and excavation function (excavator bucket) into a single integrated system. The magnetometers are mounted on the excavator bucket, allowing simultaneous detection and excavation operations, thereby reducing time consumption while maintaining safety through automated detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical investigation with an automated magnetic field detection system. The magnetometers automatically detect unexploded ordnance by measuring magnetic field disturbances, eliminating the need for manual searching and reducing both time consumption and personnel danger
2Measurement precision
If active metal detection systems are used to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but safety deteriorates due to risk of detonation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active electromagnetic detection systems with passive magnetometer-based detection. The magnetometers measure the Earth's magnetic field and detect disturbances caused by ferromagnetic objects without emitting any energy, thereby maintaining high detection accuracy while eliminating the risk of causing detonation through electromagnetic induction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from active electromagnetic field emission to passive magnetic field measurement. By using magnetometers that measure the natural Earth's magnetic field rather than emitting electromagnetic pulses, the system maintains measurement precision while avoiding the harmful effects of active electromagnetic fields on unexploded ordnance
3Measurement precision
If layered excavation with repeated surveys is used to increase detection depth, then detection capability is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection points (magnetometers at different positions on the bucket) to achieve deep detection capability in a single pass. The distributed arrangement of magnetometers allows the system to detect objects at various depths simultaneously, eliminating the need for repeated layered surveys and reducing time consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional layered detection to three-dimensional detection by positioning magnetometers at multiple spatial locations on the excavator bucket. This spatial distribution enables simultaneous detection across different depths and horizontal positions, achieving comprehensive coverage in a single excavation pass
4Measurement precision
If non-magnetizable materials are used for excavator components, then detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies non-magnetizable material properties locally to specific components that interfere with magnetic field measurement (excavator bucket and outermost arm), while other components can use conventional materials. This localized application of special material properties maintains detection accuracy while minimizing overall manufacturing complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables accurate detection and positioning of problematic objects, allowing for safe excavation practices, including the option to avoid or remove the objects, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetometers are configured to measure the local magnetic field vector
Implementation Method 2
The measuring device is configured to determine the vector difference between said local magnetic field vectors, wherein a vector difference differing from zero indicates a disruption of the earth's magnetic field by the object
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
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AI summary
Described is an excavator for excavating soil in which a problematic object, such as unexploded ordnance, may be present. The excavator comprises an assembly of mutually pivotable arms which is connected to a chassis, and a pivotably arranged excavator bucket. At least parts of the excavator bucket and the outermost arm are embodied in a substantially non-magnetizable material. The excavator bucket further comprises a measuring device of magnetometers which are positioned at a mutual distance and which are configured to measure the local magnetic field vectors. The magnetometers are connected to a computer via a data and power cable with interposing of a data collection unit for collecting the magnetic field vector data measured by the magnetometers. The measuring device is further configured to determine the vector difference between said local magnetic field vectors, wherein a vector difference differing from zero indicates a disruption of the earth's magnetic field by the object, allowing the presence thereof to be detected.